Brooks was more than a Tarrant commissioner. He inspired a generation of leaders | Opinion

At a time when many young people are questioning whether our leaders truly care about the future, it’s easy to feel disheartened. Gen Z has grown up in an era of uncertainty, political instability, climate crises and attacks on our fundamental rights. We often wonder: Do those in power even care about ensuring a better future for us?

And yet, in the midst of that uncertainty, there are those whose legacy reminds us of what true leadership looks like. Leaders like Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks have shown us that service isn’t just about addressing the challenges of today; it’s about shepherding a new generation to rise and lead tomorrow.

First elected in 2004, Brooks has served Tarrant County for two decades with an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and progress. As he prepares to retire at the end of December, his career of public service offers us hope. He has spent years standing firm in his values, working to uplift Tarrant County through transformative efforts in public health, housing and equity.

But what makes his legacy so powerful is not just what he accomplished. It’s also who he empowered along the way.

Brooks is more than a public servant; he is a great tree whose roots run deep in Tarrant County. His branches have provided shelter, wisdom and guidance for generations of leaders. He didn’t just lead — he mentored, encouraged and believed in the potential of others.

I experienced that belief firsthand when he invited me in July 2015, at 12 years old, to shadow him at a Tarrant County Commissioners Court meeting. That experience opened my eyes to the importance of public service and made me feel seen as a young Black girl with aspirations I hadn’t yet fully formed. He showed me that leadership wasn’t about power but about creating pathways for others to succeed.

Brooks’ impact can be seen in the leaders he has helped shape. Commissioner-elect Roderick Miles and Fort Worth City Council members Jeanette Martinez and Jared Williams are carrying forward his vision of leadership that prioritizes people and progress. And young Gen Z leaders such as Fort Worth’s Kendyll Locke, currently serving as U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s chief of staff, and myself owe part of our journeys to the example he set.

At a time when young people feel disillusioned by politics, Brooks, a Democrat, reminds us that leadership can be a force for good. He didn’t just talk about the importance of the next generation, he invested in us. He understood that the future doesn’t belong to those in power today; it belongs to the young people who will inherit it tomorrow.

As I serve now as an assistant attorney general for the state of Minnesota, I carry the lessons Brooks taught me. His example reminds me that leadership is about service, integrity and ensuring that the ladder of opportunity remains strong for those who come after us.

Brooks’s legacy is a light in a time of uncertainty. It shows us that there are leaders who care about the future, who believe in the power of young people and who work to build a better tomorrow.

As we say thank you for Brooks’ decades of service, we must also carry his legacy forward. His work has paved the way for new voices, new ideas and new leaders. It’s up to all of us to honor his example by continuing the work of building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Commissioner Brooks, thank you for being a great tree in our community. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations. You have shepherded a new generation of leaders, and we are ready to continue the work you’ve started. Tarrant County and our nation are better because of you, and the future is brighter because of your leadership.